The prophecy of Nahum, as the title asserts, is concerned with one subject alone. It is “the burden of Nineveh;” it announces the fate of that evil city. In the Greek Bible it is placed immediately after Jonah, as being the complement of that book. Jonah had preached repentance to Nineveh, and the people had hearkened to his voice, but had soon relapsed into their old sins, and now Nahum pronounces their sentence. Their pride, oppression, idolatry, and especially their defiance of God’s sovereignty, are severely rebuked, and the certain and complete destruction of the nation is plainly announced.The prophecy is composed of three strophes, answering almost exactly to the three chapters into which it is divided. It begins (ch. 1.) with stating God’s purpose to inflict punishment on Nineveh. The Lord is just and severe, long-suffering, indeed, as the continued existence of Assyria proves, yet the certain Avenger of wrong-doing. Who has ever withstood his power? Earth and sea, and all the inhabitants thereof, bear witness to his irresistible might. And Nineveh must perish, in spite of its riches and its armies, because it has exalted itself against God and his people. Thus the Lord’s justice shall be revealed and established, when be brings ruin on his enemies and happiness to his children. Then (ch. 2.) the prophet announces more in detail the destruction of Nineveh. She shall be besieged, she shall struggle in vain, she shall be taken and plundered and utterly wasted. Comparing her future ruin with her past splendour, the prophet is lost in admiration of the equity and wisdom of God, who doeth all these things. What is the cause of this calamity he then proceeds to state (ch. 3.). Assyria had become notorious for cruelty, treachery, rapine, idolatry. It had seduced other nations to follow its steps. And now its might should save it no more than its strength had saved Thebes, so lately captured. Its towers and fortresses should fall, its soldiers should lose heart, its palaces be consumed with fire, its inhabitants be put to the sword, and the Assyrian empire, lately so formidable and strong, should become a byword of derision among all people.

The other day I asked about those who were faithful to God among the ones who rebelled. About how all the people had to pay for the rebellion. In this book 1:7....he cares for those who trust Him. So in that he is there for the faithful among the rebellious. Does not mean they won't be in the wrath...just that he will care for them. He is their refuge. Same as he is for us.

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Bruce

9/21/2015 04:41:04 pm

I received a great gift today. A friend and co-worker gave me a study bible that he had shown me before. (The comment about 1:7 States; To those who love him, his mercy is a refuge, supplying all their needs without diminishing his supply.). Good news for those of us that believe and love him for all he does for us. As pastor said, " all the answers are the bible".

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Tammy

9/22/2015 02:50:31 am

Thats awesome!! I have the same Bible! It's really helpful at explaining and referencing verses. So happy for you!!

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Bruce

9/22/2015 07:43:26 am

Thank you, maybe it will me not to look so dumb...lol

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Tammy

9/22/2015 01:11:04 pm

You're not dumb....and look at it like this. God put that desire in your heart to study and learn more about him. He's helping you learn with his Spirit and the Bible. We all need others more experienced to help us grow. I feel like I ask weird questions but I can't help it. I want to know. Don't ever feel dumb cause God made you and knows what you need to learn. He's proud of you!!